Beyond basic generative applications, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly moving into real-world utility, with live translation features gaining immense popularity. With Apple highlighting Live Translate for the new AirPods Pro 3 and Google having a similar feature on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the stage is set for a comparison. While neither solution is flawless, the core differences in implementation determine which provides a superior user experience.
The Hardware Divide: Compatibility and Requirement
A key difference lies in the device prerequisites required to run the live translation feature, as the heavy lifting is still performed by the smartphone.
Apple’s Barrier to Entry: To use Apple’s Live Translate with supported AirPods, users must own an iPhone 15 Pro or newer running iOS 26 or later. This strict requirement is due to the feature’s reliance on Apple Intelligence, which is not available on the base iPhone 15 or older models. This means Android users who utilize AirPods are entirely excluded from accessing Apple’s live translation.
Google’s Open Approach: In contrast, Google’s equivalent is far more accessible. To use live translation with Pixel Buds, an Android phone running Android 6 or later is sufficient. This broad compatibility includes all Google Pixel phones and a significant number of Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus. The only requirement is having the latest versions of the Google and Google Translate apps installed.
Processing Power: Cloud vs. On-Device
By default, both Apple and Google’s live translation implementations require an internet connection, relying on off-device processing. However, both offer options for offline translation by downloading language packs.
Apple’s On-Device Mode: Apple offers an additional “on-device mode” that consistently uses offline, on-device processing for translations. It is important to note that this mode only applies to the dedicated Apple Translate app, which is what the AirPods utilize. Translations conducted via Siri or Safari on an iPhone will continue to be processed in the cloud.
The User Experience: Activation Method
The method for triggering the live translation feature creates the biggest divergence in user experience.
Google’s Activation: The preferred method for initiating live translation on Google Pixel Buds is to open the Google Translate app on the phone and tap ‘Conversation mode’. Alternatively, users can use a voice command like “Hey Google, help me speak [language].” Crucially, there is no hands-free way to use Conversation mode without invoking Google Assistant, often requiring the user to pull out their phone.
Apple’s Activation: Apple’s implementation is designed for greater ease and subtlety. While Siri can be used, the smoothest method is to simply hold down both AirPod stems to activate the feature. When using supported AirPods with an iPhone, no voice commands or smartphone taps are required, making the interaction feel more natural and less disruptive to the conversation flow.
Verdict: Accessibility vs. Seamlessness
In terms of feature support, Google clearly has the advantage, having shipped real-time translation on its earbuds since the first pair of Pixel Buds in 2017, and supporting every subsequent model. Apple’s feature, currently listed as a beta release, is newer but is being rolled out via software updates to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC.
Which is Better?
In terms of overall experience, the Apple method of activation is superior. The ability to walk up to someone, hold the stems, and immediately hear a translated version of their speech without fumbling with a phone or shouting a voice command makes the process feel seamless and less awkward.
While the quality of translation still needs significant improvement—with noticeable delay and occasional missed phrases in both versions—the ease of use tips the balance. Google offers wider compatibility, making the feature accessible to a larger user base. However, Apple’s hands-free, intuitive activation method on supported devices provides the more polished and convenient user experience.
Like almost everything that uses AI these days: when it works, it’s magical, but you can’t rely on it.
